CBSE Board Class 10th and 12th Final Examination Time Table 2026
CBSE 2026 Exam Schedule (Tentative Main Dates)
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Official Date Sheet Release | 20 November 2025 |
| Practical Exams (Class 10 & 12) Start | 01 January 2026 |
| Practical Exams (Class 10 & 12) End | 07 February 2026 |
| Theory Exams Start Date (Tentative) | 15 February 2026 |
| Theory Exams End Date (Tentative) | 09 April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release (Via School) | Last Week of January 2026 |
Examination Time and Fee Structure
| CATEGORY | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Standard Exam Time | 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM (3 Hours) |
| Reading Time for Question Paper | 15 Minutes (10:15 AM to 10:30 AM) |
| Exam Fees (Main Subjects) | Rs. 1500/- (Approx for 5 subjects) |
Note: Final examination fees are collected by the respective schools during the LOC (List of Candidates) submission process, usually in October/November.
Exam Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper based) only.
Examination Eligibility & Structure
- **Minimum Attendance:** Must possess at least **75%** attendance in the academic year.
- **LOC Submission:** Name must be submitted by the school to CBSE in the mandatory List of Candidates (LOC) portal.
- **Passing Marks:** Students must secure **33% marks** overall (Theory + Practical/Internal) to be declared 'Pass'.
Paper Pattern and Marking Scheme
The 2026 exam pattern continues to focus on competency-based questions (CBQs):
- **Question Types:** Mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Case-Based Questions, Source-Based Integrated Questions, and Constructed Response Questions.
- **Competency Focus:** Approximately **40% of questions** in the theory paper will be competency-focused (application-based/critical thinking).
- **Internal Assessment (Class 10):** 20 Marks for all subjects (Periodic Tests, Notebook Submission, Subject Enrichment Activity).
- **Practical/Internal Assessment (Class 12):** 30 Marks (or 20 Marks depending on the subject) for core subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and others.
Key Examination Subject Dates (Commonly Held)
While the full Time Table PDF must be checked, here are the likely slots for major subjects:
| Examination | Class 10 (Tentative Slot) | Class 12 (Tentative Slot) |
|---|---|---|
| Major Languages (English/Hindi) | Last week of Feb 2026 | Mid-March 2026 |
| Science / Physics / Accountancy | First week of March 2026 | Late Feb / Early March 2026 |
| Mathematics (Standard/Basic) | Mid-March 2026 | Early April 2026 |
| Social Science / Economics / History | Late March 2026 | Late March / Early April 2026 |
| IT/AI (Vocational Subjects) | Early Feb 2026 | Early Feb 2026 |
Preparation Strategy & Syllabus Checklist
Exam Preparation Advice:
- **Time Management:** Create a realistic study schedule covering all subjects, allocating more time to weaker areas.
- **NCERT Mastery:** The NCERT textbook remains the core resource. All questions are based on NCERT content and prescribed curriculum.
- **Sample Papers:** Solve the official **CBSE Sample Question Papers (SQPs)** for 2026 (released in September/October 2025) to understand the pattern and difficulty level.
- **Revision Notes:** Prepare short, concise revision notes for quick review during the gap days between exams.
- **Sleep and Health:** Ensure adequate rest, especially in the week leading up to the main exams, to maximize retention and concentration.
Ensure you are studying from the **reduced/rationalized syllabus** for the 2025-2026 academic session, as chapters deleted by CBSE will not be tested.
How to Download the CBSE 2026 Time Table PDF
- Visit Official Website: Navigate to the main CBSE official website or the 'Academic' section.
- Find the Notification: Look for the circular titled '**Date Sheet for Class X/XII Board Examinations 2026**'.
- Click Download: Click the link to download the combined PDF file for both Class 10 and Class 12.
- Verify Dates: Carefully check the date, day, and time against your specific subject codes.
- Print & Mark: Print a copy and highlight your subject dates on the calendar.
Warning! Practical Exam Dates are School Specific
While CBSE gives a window (Jan 1st - Feb 7th), the exact date and time of your Practical Exam/Internal Assessment are decided by your school. You **must** confirm these dates directly with your subject teacher or school administration.
Some Important Links:
| Download Official Time Table (PDF) | Click Here |
| Download Reduced Syllabus 2025-26 | Click Here |
| Official CBSE Website | Click Here |
| Download Sample Question Papers 2026 | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the CBSE Admit Cards for 2026 be released?
Admit Cards are typically released in the last week of January 2026. Students must collect their Admit Cards from their respective schools, as CBSE does not send them directly to individual students.
Is the entire syllabus taught this year included in the 2026 exams?
No. Students must study only the **Rationalized Curriculum** released by CBSE for the 2025-26 session. Chapters or topics that were explicitly deleted by CBSE will not be assessed in the final board exams.
Will there be a gap between the major subjects?
CBSE usually ensures adequate gaps (3 to 5 days) between the main subjects (like Science, Math, English) to allow students sufficient time for revision. However, minor/vocational subjects may have shorter or no gaps.
What time should students reach the examination center?
Students are advised to reach the center at least **one hour** before the exam starts (i.e., by 9:30 AM). Entry to the hall may be restricted after 10:00 AM, and the question paper is distributed at 10:15 AM for reading.
What does the 40% competency-based questions mean?
It means approximately 40% of the questions will be designed to test your **application, analysis, and higher-order thinking skills** rather than just rote memorization. These include Case-Based Questions and questions requiring complex reasoning.
If I fail the practical exam, will I fail the board exam?
Yes. Students must pass separately in **Theory** and **Internal Assessment/Practical** (where applicable) and also secure 33% overall. Failing the mandatory practical component will result in a 'Compartment' or 'Fail' status for that subject.